WISH YOU WERE HERE

Following the massive success of Dark Side of the Moon, the pressure was on for Pink Floyd to deliver another hit. They did this in spades with Wish You Were Here, which is a semi-conceptual album that takes a look at their fallen leader Syd Barrett. The result is is classic of prog rock that stands the test of time as well as the other Floyd classics. Gilmour is the star of this album, as he plays some of the most unique and beautiful gitar you'll ever hear.

The album opens with the first half of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond." It builds ridiculously slowly over a few minutes of near silence before Gilmour pierces the heavens with his guitar. Waters' lyrics are touching and fond, but his vocals give the song a bit of a bite, expressing perhaps some hidden anger at how Barrett abandoned the band. The second half is equally as awe-inspiring, with more incredible guitar and keyboards and great lyrics. However, it has a more laid back and fades out with the same ethereal beauty in which t entered. "Welcome to the Machine" is a downright flawless track with great sound effects with dark lyrics that sound like the foundation for the album Animals. "Have a Cigar" is a great look into the music industry's exploitation of artists. Had it been played in a different style, it could have een a defining punk song. the title track is a beautiful ballad that takes the fondness of Shine On and removes the bitterness, leaving only a soft memorium for Syd.

WYWH is remarkable in that it actually manages to live up to the expectations following such a ridiculously successful album, and at times even betters it. No fan of prog oreven rock in general can be without this seminal release.

Grade: A